Honey-Based Skin Care Remedies

Natural Skin Care –The Buzz from the Bees
The Open Press, 5/30/2006

Several skin care product manufacturers are now including honey as a main ingredient. Honey is nourishing for the skin, but the products on the shelves often also contain other substances that will dry the skin, defeating the purpose of using the honey. Fortunately, you can concoct honey-based remedies in your own kitchen or bathroom, and they make a great adjunct to your basic natural skin care routine.

For basic cleansing, you can make your own soap from honey, oatmeal, and bee propolis – the waxy anti-bacterial, anti-fungal substance bees use to seal and protect their hives. The honey attracts and retains moisture, the propolis protects against bacteria and fungi, and the oatmeal exfoliates. The overall effect is clean, smooth and supple skin.

After cleansing, a toner made from honey and rosewater gets rid of residual dead skin, impurities and excess oil, and restores the pH balance. You can use cotton balls to apply it, making sure they look totally clean before you stop the toning process. If you have oily skin, you may want to include a little witch hazel.

A honey facial mask, used about once a week, is also beneficial for natural skin care. First open the pores with a warm, damp cloth, smooth the honey on your face and neck, leave it on for 15 to 30 minutes, and then rinse off with warm water. Splash you face with cold water afterwards to close the pores...